Hi guys. I apologise for the lack of updates to any of my stories recently, real life got in the way. I hope you enjoy this part. I think there will be one more chapter after this. Happy reading!

Freya was at daycare the morning Adam moved out. Hailey didn't think she could bare the scene of her child clinging to the father she adored and crying when he left. They were both trying to make this as normal and pain free as possible, and this was the only way they knew how. Pain free for Freya that is, there was no chance in hell of this being pain free for Adam or Hailey.

Adam felt numb as he methodically packed his clothes into a suitcase and hauled it down the stairs. He grabbed his toothbrush and razor from the bathroom too and that was that. He didn't need anything else, not at the moment anyway. In the hallway, Adam looked back into the house. Hailey was standing in the kitchen with her back to him. He approached her cautiously, it wasn't until he was right beside her that he realised she was crying.

She was hunched over the sink but turned when she heard his footsteps. "I'm sorry Adam" she said. "I'm sorry."

"Hey, stop it. We've talked about this. We both decided, didn't we? It's for the best. We could keep trying, but we're both miserable." Adam came as close as he dared to Hailey, close enough to see the pained expression on her face and the tears glistening in her eyes. "Hailey, you know this is the right thing to do. If we stay together, we could end up hating each other in the end and I never want that, you mean too much to me."

Hailey knew everything Adam was saying was true but it didn't make it any easier. Things hadn't been going right in their relationship for months, and not a day had gone by recently without either an argument or stony silence. It wasn't fair on Freya. The little girl had noticed the atmosphere in the house and she was taking it badly. Usually a happy child, her tantrums had increased in frequency and intensity until she was so exhausted all she could do was sleep. It broke her parents' hearts that their shit was causing her sadness.

"I think a little time apart would do us good" Adam said. "I'm not going far."

Hailey nodded slowly. She had even been to the apartment with him to check it was safe for Freya. Not that she didn't trust Adam, but she had to be sure. She feared what this decision would mean for Freya. As hard as they would try to keep things as ordinary as possible for her, kids knew when things were not right. It was usual for Adam to not be home during the day, he was often at work. But the mornings and nights, that would be the worst. If Freya clambered out of bed in the middle of the night seeking comfort from a nightmare and found only Hailey in her parents' bed, what would she think? It was just one of the possible scenarios Hailey was anxious about.

In Freya's three years of life, Adam and Hailey had both grown used to people talking down to her, of strangers treating her like a baby even though she was a walking taking little person with an intelligent mind of her own. It was true, she was not a typical three year old, but she was smarter than a lot of people gave her credit for. Hailey knew that however hard she and Adam tried, Freya would realise something was wrong. It would take some time to adjust, for all three of them.

Hailey followed Adam as he carried his bags to his car. He lifted them into the trunk and slammed it shut. Hailey stood on the curb, hands in her jeans pockets and her loose hair blowing in the wind. She smiled sadly. She didn't know what else to say.

Adam went to her and, fearing he was overstepping but not really caring, he put his hands on Hailey's shoulders. "This is the right thing for our daughter" Adam said resolutely. He was firm, but his tone of voice didn't lack kindness. Hailey looked up into his eyes, wanting to believe every word he was saying. "Having two happy parents living a few blocks apart is better for her than having two miserable ones living under the same roof. We both know that's true."

Hailey sighed and dropped her gaze. "Take care of yourself, Adam."

"Hey" he said, giving her shoulders a squeeze. "I'll see you later. It's my turn to read a bedtime story right?"

Adam was true to his word. At 7pm on the dot he was back with a smile on his face for bath time. Freya was delighted to see him and ran at him when he entered the house, wrapping her little arms around his leg.

Hailey watched him scoop her up and Freya had the biggest grin on her face Hailey had seen all day. Maybe this could work. Maybe.

"Freya's still not awake?"

Adam shook his head. "No, not yet. Part of me wants her to stay asleep. While she's asleep she isn't scared. She never copes very well when she wakes up in hospital."

Rachel was on her break, she didn't have long, but she had to come check on Adam. She knew what he was like, that he'd look after Freya and Hailey over himself. But he needed looking after too, and if he wasn't going to look after himself then she would. She came baring sandwiches and a coffee.

"Listen, tonight…" Rachel set the food and drink down on an empty chair in the corridor and put her arms around Adam.

"Ah, damn. Your parents. Dinner."

"It's alright, we'll do it another time. They'll come to town again."

"I'm so sorry, I've been so busy with Freya I completely forgot."

"You don't need to apologise, they'll understand. And I do too. I knew the deal when we first started dating, Adam. Freya comes first, as she should."

Adam put his arms around Rachel. "I feel like I'm neglecting you."

Rachel pushed him away gently and smiled. "You're not. I promise."

They were standing just outside Freya's room and both turned when the door to the ICU room opened and a redheaded nurse poked her head out. "Daddy? You might want to come in here."

Adam didn't need to be asked twice.

Freya groaned quietly as she began to wake up, disoriented but the bright lights and strange people standing around her. But she saw someone she recognised in the sea of unfamiliar faces and held her arms out for comfort. Hailey was more than happy to oblige.

"Hey sweetheart" she said. Tears of relief were welling in her eyes. Freya's whimpers grew more distressed as she came around and Hailey stroked the little girl's hair gently to try and soothe her. "Shhh, it's alright. Mommy's here."

Adam hung back, not wanting to overwhelm her anymore. He knew Hailey had this, so he let the mother daughter reunion play out. Adam threw his head back in relief. "Thank God" he said under his breath. He saw medical professionals fuss around Freya but all he really saw was his sweet baby girl snuggling into her mother's arms and he thanked the universe and whatever deity might be listening for another day with his daughter.

Dr Roberts slung his stethoscope around his neck and appeared at Adam's side. "She's not out of the woods yet but this is a good sign. We will have to run some more tests to know what exactly is going on. I'll order some scans and some blood work, but you should take a moment as a family."

The doctors and nurses filed out of the room and it was just Hailey, Adam and Freya alone. Adam sat down by the side of the bed and brushed a lock of hair from Freya's face. "Are you alright Sweetpea?" Adam planted a kiss on Freya's cheek. She didn't reply, she was too busy sucking on her thumb and burrowing into the soft fabric of Hailey's sweater. She looked so forlorn and lost and Adam struggled to hold back his own tears.

Hailey looked up and saw in his face exactly what she was feeling. "I know" she said. "But the doctor said she isn't in any pain. She'll be back to her normal happy self soon, I know it." Hailey paused and wiped her eyes with her sleeve then looked back down at Freya and began stroking her soft hair. "One of the worst parts about this is that she doesn't understand what's happening to her. When she wakes up in strange hospital rooms attached to machines, I see in her eyes how frightened she is and I can't explain to her that everyone is just trying to help her."

Adam spoke quietly so as to not disturb Freya. "You know what I think? As long as she knows we're here and that we love her, she will be fine."

Hailey smiled. "I'm not sure I will be though" she said, only half joking. "I'm not sure how many scares like this I can handle. I just wish the doctors could figure out a way to fix her heart so we can all get on with our lives. I feel like every day I'm just sitting around waiting for the next emergency."

"I get it, but you can't think that way. You'll drive yourself crazy. You should go home. Have a shower, change your clothes, whatever. You will feel better for it."

Hailey felt Freya move as she snuggled further into Hailey and she hugged her daughter tight. "I appreciate you looking out for me Adam, but I can't leave."

Adam nodded. He knew better than to push. "Alright, then I'll go get you a change of clothes." Adam kissed Freya and stood before Hailey could object. "I'll be right back, call me if anything changes."

Adam rang the doorbell of the house he used to share with his family. It felt strange. He still had a key, Hailey never asked for it back and it made sense for him to keep one for emergencies, but this wasn't his home anymore, he couldn't just let himself in.

Hailey opened the door with a basket of laundry in her arms. She looked surprised to see him. "Adam. Hi. What are you doing here? Freya's with my Mom today, she won't be back until later."

"I know." Adam was nervous and Hailey picked up on this right away. "I actually wanted to talk to you."

Hailey hesitated but only for a moment. Something in Adam's body language told her he needed to get something off his chest. "Take a seat, let me get rid of this. Do you want a drink or anything?" Adam shook his head. He was jittery, it wasn't like him.

Hailey returned a few minutes later without the laundry and sat down on the couch opposite Adam. "What's up?"

"Hailey, I've met someone. We've been dating a couple of months now. I'm sorry I didn't say anything, I wanted to make sure it was something real before I brought it up." Adam paused. He was nervous and talking too fast so he took a deep breath to centre himself. "Her name is Rachel. She's a nurse at Lakeshore."

Through all this Hailey was looking past Adam at the wall. She didn't know how she felt or how she should feel, but she knew she didn't want to feel any emotions with Adam in the room.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you" Adam said again. "I don't want to hurt you."

Hailey blinked and finally looked at Adam. She forced a smile onto her face. "No, it's alright. I want you to be happy."

Adam knew Hailey. He knew she was putting on a brave face for him and regretted waiting so long to tell her about Rachel. But he also knew that she wouldn't want to unpack her emotions in front of him, so he would ask when he came to ask and leave her alone, however hard it was for him to do. "I'm telling you now because she's not working this weekend and I have Freya. I'd like to introduce them, but only if it's alright with you. I wouldn't have Freya meet her without checking with you first, it's a big decision and you deserve to have a say." Adam was rambling again but stopped himself. He looked at Hailey expectantly.

They were quiet for a moment and Hailey looked away. "Thank you for asking" she said eventually. "Of course they can meet. I trust you Adam."

That Sunday afternoon when Adam brought Freya back home Rachel was with them. She hung back down the path as Adam came to the door. He seemed in a hurry to leave as he kissed Freya and handed her back, wanting to protect both women from any potential awkwardness, but Hailey watched Rachel where she stood a respectful distance from Hailey's house and thought this is what was awkward.

Adam put Freya's bag down inside the door. "Bye trouble, I'll see you soon." He ruffled Freya's pigtails and turned to leave.

"Stop" Hailey said quietly. In her arms Freya said something to Hailey. She hoisted her daughter more securely on her hip. "Just a minute baby" she said. She caught Adam's eye momentarily and called down the path. "Rachel."

Rachel turned, shyly. She smiled. She had kind eyes and an easy energy about her. Hailey liked her instantly. She hated that a little bit then felt guilty.

"Hi" Rachel replied when she reached the porch.

"Look, I don't want things to be weird" Hailey said. She had butterflies. She found this harder than she thought she would but felt strongly that she needed to say it. "I just wanted you to know that I'm ok." Hailey looked at Adam too when she said this and hoped he believed her words.

Rachel smiled. She tucked her long dark hair nervously behind her ears. "Thank you for letting me meet your daughter" she said. "She's wonderful."

Hailey smiled back, more genuine this time. Freya squirmed. "I should get this one to bed" she said.

"I'll wait in the car" Rachel said, realising Hailey and Adam probably needed to talk and tactfully making her exit.

Before she closed the door, Hailey turned to Adam. "I like her. I'm glad you're happy."

Adam didn't quite know how to react to this. He reached out to stroke Freya's back, their daughter between them serving as a convenient excuse not to show their emotions or really talk about what had just happened. This was probably the reason their relationship had ended in hindsight, the lack of communication at the end about anything other than Freya. But that was in the past, there was no going back. In the present Adam appreciated that Hailey was trying.

"Thank you" he said. "For everything."

"I'm sorry, you can't take her home yet. But Freya's vitals look good, she can breathe on her own. I think she's ready to leave ICU and be moved onto the regular ward."

Collectively, Hailey and Adam both let out the breaths they were holding. The doctor still spoke and while Adam listened attentively, Hailey let her mind wander. A few days ago Hailey was terrified that this could be it, that she could lose her little girl, but that wasn't going to happen today. That was all she needed to know for now, the details she would learn later.

Freya was sleeping and her parents were both standing at the end of the bed. After Dr Roberts left, they both looked at each other and smiled. Hailey was sure the look of pure relief on Adam's face was mirrored in her own. They hugged tightly and without reservation. There was so much that went unsaid between them, so many feeling they hid from each other, but this was one thing they could share openly and without fear. The knowledge that their little girl was getting better.

"I'm so relieved" Hailey said. "I really thought…"

"I know" Adam said. Unconsciously he rubbed her back in comfort. "I did too. Will you be ok for a minute? I should go and call Voight. I've not been to work in days, I should check in."

Hailey smiled as she released Adam from their embrace. "Of course. You should go and call."

Hailey felt a flood of affection for her old boss and colleagues. Above all else, they were her friends. When she quit Intelligence all those years ago and hung up her badge and gun for the foreseeable future, they were nothing but supportive. She felt glad too that Adam had them around for support too. She knew that she could still turn to them too, of course, but it wasn't the same. Sometimes she missed the closeness. The unit became like a family to her.

"How is everybody?" Hailey asked when Adam returned a few minutes later. "I haven't seen the guys in a while."

"They're good" Adam said. "They ask about you all the time."

Hailey knew she should feel guilty for not seeing her friends in a long time, but although part of her missed her old job it felt like a lifetime ago. She couldn't imagine going back to her old life.

"Kevin's birthday's coming up, we'll probably go out for drinks or something. You should stop by. Your Mom could watch Freya."

"Yeah, maybe" Hailey said, but her heart wasn't in it.

"I worry about you" Adam admitted. "I know you say Freya is your whole life and I get it, I really do. We both love her so so much. She's the most important thing in either of our lives and that will never change, but she's not the only thing. Having a friends, a job, a dating life won't change how much you love our daughter and no one will think badly of you if you want more."

Hailey heard Adam's words and they struck a nerve. Tears sprung to her eyes. He always did have a way of getting right to the bottom of how she was feeling, even when it hurt. "I can't Adam. Freya needs so much time."

"I'll help you. I'll step up more. I'll cut down my hours at work, take paid leave, whatever. I want to help you."

"There's no need" Hailey said. "I'm fine, really."

Hailey dozed on the sofa with a glass of wine. A movie was playing on the TV with the sound turned down low, but she wasn't really watching it. She was enjoying the peace at the end of a hectic day so when a knock came at the door, it startled her. She set her wine glass on the coffee table and walked slowly to the door.

It was Adam. He looked a mess. His clothes and hair were dishevelled and he looked like he badly needed sleep. It was also clear he had been crying, that was the detail that shocked Hailey the most.

"Can I see Freya?" Adam leant on the door frame and looked at Hailey with an expression so desperate that it made her heart hurt. "Please, Hailey. I know how late it is, I know she's asleep, but I need to see her. I need to." A tear fell down Adam's face and he wiped it away quickly.

They had a routine, they both agreed it was the best thing for Freya. She needed to know when she was seeing either of her parents, where she was staying on any given day, who would pick her up from nursery. For Adam to break that unwritten agreement and turn up unannounced something serious must have happened.

"Ok" Hailey said. "But quietly. Please don't wake her."

"I won't" Adam said. "Thank you." He pulled off his boots in the middle of the hallway and raced up the stairs two at a time. Hailey followed him slowly.

Adam stood in the doorway of Freya's bedroom, the door open just a crack. The soft pink glow from the nightlight illuminated her face as she slept peacefully. Just the sight of his daughter alive and safe was enough to calm him. He watched the little chest rise and fall as she slept and her eyelids fluttered slightly as if she was dreaming. Adam hoped they were good dreams. After today, he hoped harder than ever she would never have to go through what he witnessed today.

Hailey hung back at the top of the stairs just watching Adam watch Freya. Eventually he pulled the door closed gently and turned around. They didn't speak, but Hailey held out her hand to him and gestured for him to follow her downstairs.

"I'm sorry" Adam said, calmer now. "I know we have our rules for a reason, it won't happen again."

"It's alright" Hailey said. She could see how distressed Adam was, she wasn't about to add to it by laying down the law and telling him off. "What's happened? Did you have a difficult case?"

Adam nodded, but when he tried to speak, he found he was too choked up to get the words out. Hailey disappeared for a moment but then returned with a bottle of scotch and two glasses. She poured Adam a drink and handed it to him silently. He took a long swallow, and let the burning liquid slide down his throat. Hailey watched him, concern etched on her face.

"A little girl was murdered today" Adam finally said. "She was only seven years old. I… I found the body."

Hailey was in the middle of pouring herself a glass of whisky too, but at Adam's revelation she abandoned her task and slid closer to him on the sofa. He was slumped forward with his head in his hands and Hailey put her hand on his back.

"Oh, Adam."

"Antonio and Kev had to tell her Mom, I couldn't do it. But I heard the mother's screams, I don't think I'll ever be able to forget." Adam sat up and reached for the whisky bottle to pour himself another glass. Hailey let him. She knew what it was like when a case got under your skin and all you wanted to do was vent in any way possible.

"I kicked in the door to that apartment and she was just lying there. I really thought we'd find her in time Hailey. But we were too late."

"That's not on you, Adam" Hailey said. She knew Adam would be blaming himself because that's what she would have done.

Adam sighed. "All I could think about was Freya. I had to know she was safe. I'm sorry for barging in on you like this, I'll get out of your hair."

Hailey grabbed Adam's sleeve as he made to stand and pulled him back down onto the couch. "Adam, I said it's alright."

"Her name was Amber. Amber Perez. Seven years old…"

Hailey put her arm around Adam then and held him as he cried.